CODY, Wyoming�For the first time in three years, reservations for dude ranch vacations are up this year, an increase that the Dude Ranch Association says bodes well for its 100-plus member ranches and may also affect the thousands of guests who choose to experience a genuine Western vacation.

�As with many aspects of the travel and tourism industry, numbers for dude ranches have been down the past three years,� notes Colleen Hodson, Executive Director. �However, most of our DRA member ranches are reporting reservations way ahead of normal for the 2005 season. This is great for our ranches, but for guests who are used to booking dates at the last minute, it could pose a problem.�

Hodson urges travelers who are considering a dude ranch vacation this year to check out all the options�there are literally hundreds of dude ranches out there�and then book early to ensure they get exactly what they are looking for. While most dude ranches offer traditional western activities, such as horseback riding and fishing, guests may be pleasantly surprised at the wide range of additional activities they find at various ranches, everything from massage, hot tubs, white water rafting, cattle round ups, overnight pack trips, mountain biking to conference facilities and wildflower tours. (Arizona ranches are experiencing the best wildflower viewing in many years right now)

Since 1926 The Dude Ranchers' Association has been helping folks find quality ranch vacations by establishing and enforcing high standards for its members. The association's original membership of 35 ranches from the Yellowstone area has now grown to 100-plus member ranches in 12 western states and 2 Canadian provinces. In spite of this growth, the Association today remains dedicated to preserving the beauty, natural resources, and the original western ranch experiences that attracted the first visitors.

For more information about reservations or dude ranch activities, or to request a brochure, call 307-587-2339 or visit www.duderanch.org. e-mail info@duderanch.org

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Media Contact: Colleen Hodson colleen@duderanch.org +1 307-587-2339